How to talk at a parent-teacher meeting?

Earlier, the parent-teacher meeting was marked on the D-Day i.e. on the results day, where the teacher would speak a word or two about the student, his/her performance and that’s it. These parent-teacher meetings are nowadays regarded as a standard part of the school’s curriculum to build a mutually strong relationship between parents and teacher.

Do not fret if you get a call or you’ve received a note from the teacher to meet you, it’s necessary these days. If your child is having any problems regarding any stuff that can be either positive or negative, parent-teacher meetings help to recuperate the way to ensure child’s success.

It is a great opportunity to:

Share academic as well as extra-curricular activities performance rate.
The overall growth of the child by accessing class tests, assessments, portfolios, and classroom observation.
Learn from parents/guardians about the child’s behavior, strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles.
Discuss strategies to support the student’s learning.
Discuss issues hindering the growth of the students.

How can an ideal conversation start between parents and teachers?

Teacher: Hello Mrs. Malhotra, How are you?

Mrs. Malhotra: I am fine Mam, how are you?

Teacher: I am as good as one can be.

Mrs Malhotra: How is Rajeev’s performance mam?

Teacher: Rajeev is the brightest star in our class. Friendly, caring, Intelligent and always ready to help. However, I saw his report card and he has scored low in maths whereas excelled in every other subject.

Mrs. Malhotra: He had a severe fever at the time of the Maths test, he couldn’t even complete the whole paper because of it.

Teacher: Ohh, I see. He chooses to be the captain of the class and I must say he very well deserves it. I learned that he is participating in the Science Olympiad. That’s a tough nut to crack.

Mrs. Malhotra: Thank-you for such kind words. It’s for your support and upbringing as a teacher, students are molded into brighter and better human beings. Rajeev is preparing day and night to crack the exam, I would be glad if you’ll teach him some good pointers.

Teacher: Sure, why not? He can come in anytime for help.

Mrs. Malhotra: It was nice talking to you, Mam. I should take your leave. Thanks for the hospitality.

Teacher: Anytime! Give my regards to Rajeev.

Mrs. Malhotra: Sure.

Some quick pointers:

Be soft-spoken while conversing and use simple English, both for the teacher and the parents.
Accept whatever the teacher tells about your child without any chaos.
Be confident and ask questions about your child and its performance in class.
Be punctual.
Ask for explanations for things you don’t understand.